Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services now if there is:
Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
Severe throat, chest, or abdominal pain
Inability to swallow saliva
Vomiting blood
Confusion, collapse, or a seizure
Sudden severe abdominal pain or a rigid abdomen
Routine follow-up is different from emergency care.
And for anyone, someone who:
you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact a poison centre promptly after any suspected swallowing of sodium carbonate.
Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Poison specialists can assess the product, amount, route of exposure, and current symptoms.
Seek urgent medical assessment for ongoing eye pain, blurred vision, persistent vomiting, painful swallowing, increasing abdominal or chest pain, wheezing, or a cough that does not settle.
New or increasing difficulty swallowing, food sticking, repeated vomiting, or unintended weight loss should be reported promptly because these can suggest developing scar tissue.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
After a significant internal burn, attend planned appointments even if symptoms improve.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Sodium carbonate poisoning. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.